Gordon Ramsay, one of the most famous chefs in the world. Ramsay has filmed dozens of television shows, grossing millions of views across platforms.
Photo courtesy of @gordongram on Instagram
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “angry,” “foul-mouthed” and “celebrity?” Probably globally renowned and award-winning British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who is the subject of a new six-part Netflix Series “Being Gordon Ramsay,” which hit the streaming service on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
The series follows Ramsay, now pushing 60, as he takes the viewers behind the scenes in the stressful and anticipated lead-up to the opening of his latest and most prestigious restaurant venue: 22 Bishopsgate. A major, multi-complex commercial skyscraper and dining destination, the restaurant is situated over 250 meters high in the heart of Central London.
Ramsay, the star of the reality shows Kitchen Nightmares, Hotel Nightmares, Hell’s Kitchen and MasterChef, has established a name for himself over the past three decades not just through his appearances on reality TV, but through some of reputation as an exceptional chef and food critic. Ramsay has opened 95 restaurants in various locations around the world and received numerous accolades, including being named the Top Chef in the UK at the 2000 Catey Awards, numerous Michelin stars, a Guinness World Record and being named the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth in 2020. Ramsay’s fiery temper and widespread use of profanity, coupled with his creative insults and sardonic wisecracks towards the contestants on the shows, have since propelled him to become a household name and is now loved by millions.
But “Being Gordon Ramsay” doesn’t just feature Ramsay as he deals with the hustle and bustle of his current projects and business endeavors. It also paints a raw, honest portrait of the relationship he shares with his large and loving family, which includes his wife of 30 years, Tana, herself a cookbook author, and their six children. Special family moments are showcased, such as Ramsay cooking a meal in the kitchen with daughter Tilly, now 24. Tilly chose to follow in her father’s footsteps, attending culinary school in Ireland and becoming a TV personality, presenting “Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch” on CBBC alongside her family.
Ramsay also delves even further on a personal level, detailing the relationship he had with his father, the late Gordon Ramsay Sr. The elder Ramsay was a swimming pool manager, welder and shopkeeper by profession and an abusive alcoholic who discouraged his son from pursuing a career in the culinary field. Ramsay’s dysfunctional childhood was marred by brother Ronnie’s heroin addiction and the sacrifices his mother Helen made in order to raise her four children.
Gordon Ramsay, one of the most famous chefs in the world. Ramsay has filmed dozens of television shows, grossing millions of views across platforms.
Photo courtesy of @gordongram on Instagram
It’s here where we as the viewers see Ramsay at probably his most emotional state ever, but nonetheless are in awe by the grit and determination that he displays in spite the hardships he faced, rising to the top and becoming one of the most, if not the most, successful chef of all time.
In summary, “Being Gordon Ramsay” is well-worth the watch, not just for fans of the culinary star and his work, but also for those who are keen to learn about Ramsay’s backstory and how he’s currently getting on — still as successful, angrier, foul-mouthed and wiser as ever.
Rating: 5/5